Refunds Available for Florida Businesses Deceived by Scam

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi today announced that eligible Florida businesses that sent payments to Florida Corporate Filing Services, LLC for certificates of status may now apply for refunds. This settlement fund comes as a result of a consent judgment entered into by the Attorney General’s Office Bondi withFlorida Corporate Filings Services, LLC providing for up to $64,000 in consumer restitution. The deadline to request a refund is August 1, 2018.

Florida Corporate Filing Services charged businesses approximately $45 for so-called certificates of status which are optional certificates that can be displayed to show that the business is registered with the Florida Secretary of State. The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleged that Florida Corporate Filing Services deceived Florida businesses into believing that their solicitations were from the Secretary of State and that buying a certificate at the inflated price was a necessary step for legally operating as a business in Florida. Certificates of status can be obtained directly from the Secretary of State for just $8.75 for corporations and $5.00 for LLCs––and are not a requirement to legally operate in Florida.

Businesses that responded to the misleading solicitations and sent payments to Florida Corporate Filings Services between March 1, 2013 and March 4, 2015, may be eligible to receive compensation through the settlement.If you believe your business is eligible, to request a refund, please contact the Attorney General’s office by phone at (866) 966-7226 or submit a written request by completing a complaint form atMyFloridaLegal.com.Proof of payment to Florida Corporate Filing Services should be provided if it is available. If documentation is not provided, the claim will be further investigated to determine if a refund is warranted.